Self-Determination Theory

Who?

Deci & Ryan 2000

What is it?

An overarching theory aiming to explain wellbeing, personality and motivation. The need for growth drives behaviour, where developing competency and autonomy are essential to develop a sense of self.

Extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation

Motivation drawn from our physical and social environment (extrinsic) whereas intrinsic is drawn from within our sense of self.

What is the focus people are motivated by? intrinsic compared to extrinsic

Extrinsic motivation derives from the outcome/consequence of the activity.

The focus of motivation is the activity itself.

Long term effect extrinsic vs intrinsic

Intrinsic fosters lasting engagement, creativity and wellbeing

Extrinsic can lead to burn out if rewards are stopped

What is the over justification Effect

when offering unnecessary/excessive external rewards for an activity an individual does for fun, their brain begins to justify their behaviour as work rather than enjoyment.

Explain Amotivation

The complete absence of motivation, where individuals feel a lack of control/purpose over their actions (incompetence).

What are the 4 forms of extrinsic motivation?

External Regulation

Identified regulation

Introjected regulation

Integrated regulation

Explain external regulation

Behaviour motivated by external rewards or punishments. EG: parents forcing grades or u get hit

Explain introjected regulation

Behaviour motivated by internal pressures, such as guilt and anxiety

Explain identified regulation

Behaviour motivated by personal importance & conscious valuing, such as fitness.

Explain integrated regulation

Behaviour motivated by assimilation with ones identity/value.

Explain intrinsic motivation

Self-motivated behaviour by internal enjoyment.

Introjected vs Identified regulation

Introjected is to do something out of internal pressure, such as guilt, anxiety etc, to avoid negative emotion. Identified is doing something because you consciously care about the end result/goal of the activity.

What are the 3 psychological needs?

Competence
Autonomy
Relatedness

Define competence + what it improves/satisfies

The desire to feel capable of mastering new skills and experiencing a sense of achievement

Increases likelihood of of intrinsic feelings by overcoming obstacles and engaging in our own pursuits.

Define Autonomy + what it improves/satisfies

The need to be in control of our own actions

Improves wellbeing and confidence

Define relatedness + what it improves/satisfies

The longing to form social connections and be in positive relationships with others

Improves well-being

What are the strengths of the SDT?

High generalisability

• applicable across culture and context as the fundamental psychology needs (C.A.R).

Empirically validated

• Evidence based, researched and tested

• Rigoursly tested using metrics like the treatment ___ questionnaire

What are the limitations?

Emphases on autonomy

• Argued to minimise influence that external rewards have on behaviour

Multiple compenents

• A lot of components, making it complex to understand but also to apply.

Applications to the real world

Education

• Autonomy: Offer choices. For example, let students pick which topic to write an essay on from a curated list.

• Competence: Focus on praising effort, learning, and growth rather than just intelligence or fixed grades.

• Relatedness: Build a supportive classroom environment where questions are welcomed without judgment, and every student feels they belong